The Healthy School Grant from Capital Blue Cross funds the new initiative.
Grace Montessori School (GMS), a nonprofit school and childcare center serving children ages 15 months to 12 years,
announced it has launched a new yoga program for its students. GMS received $1,000 from Capital Blue Cross’s Healthy School Grant to support the yoga programming for the 2024-25 school year.
“Thanks to the support of Capital Blue Cross, we’re able to introduce a yoga program that reflects our deep commitment to nurturing the whole child,” said GMS Director Radhika Hoshing. “Incorporating mindfulness and movement into the school day not only strengthens our students’ physical health but also nourishes their emotional well-being, focus and sense of inner peace.”
The introduction of yoga at GMS is an extension of the school’s Montessori philosophy. Rooted in the belief that movement, mindfulness and self-awareness are essential to education, the new program reinforces many core Montessori principles:
- Whole-Child Development: Yoga nurtures physical, emotional, and social well-being, mirroring Montessori’s commitment to educating the whole child.
- Concentration and Mindfulness: Breathing exercises and guided meditations enhance students’ ability to focus, supporting their engagement in independent learning activities.
- Grace and Courtesy: Yoga encourages self-respect and empathy, reinforcing Montessori lessons in kindness, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Movement-Integrated Learning: Just as Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized, learning and movement are interconnected. Yoga builds strength, coordination, and body awareness while engaging the mind.
- Independence and Self-Regulation: Through reflection and mindful movement, students learn to navigate their emotions, make thoughtful choices, and take responsibility for their own well-being.
- Prepared Environment: Each session creates a calm, intentional space for exploration and growth, much like the Montessori classroom environment.
The Healthy School Grant from Capital Blue Cross supports schools that aim to implement health and wellness initiatives promoting physical activity, enhancing nutrition or providing nutrition education to students.
By aligning physical education with its educational philosophy, GMS continues to champion holistic learning that empowers students both inside and outside the classroom.